Shannon Longworth:
In a phone call yesterday, Xi Jinping—president of China—warned President Biden against playing with fire over Taiwan.
That’s according to a Chinese readout of the fifth call between the world leaders.
Now, this is the latest development in the increasingly tense relationship between China and Taiwan—an independent democracy.
Xi has maintained the “One China” policy, refusing to accept Taiwan’s independence.
While Biden has clearly committed to defending Taiwan even though the United States’ official stance on the matter is neutral.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is heading to Asia today, and she’ll be visiting several countries. Taiwan could be on the schedule, and its people have been expecting her. But threats from China have put the spotlight on this diplomatic trip, and it’s unclear what Pelosi will do.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the controversy of a possible Pelosi trip to Taiwan on Thursday..
Karine Jean-Pierre:
“He, the president, has been a senator himself, as I mentioned, for 36 years. Right. He understands this process. You do not tell a congressional member where they can or cannot go. He believes that this is up to the speaker to decide. And also, let’s be very clear, there is no trip that has been announced.”
Shannon Longworth:
Something to note: the Russian Foreign Minister has come out expressing clear support for the one-China policy.